The 4 Professionals You Must Hire For Your Budget-Friendly Wedding

Planning a budget-friendly wedding might seem like a challenge. Often times when planning a wedding with a budget, the first thing the soon-to-be bride and groom do in order to keep costs down is limit the use of professional services during the ceremony and reception. While limiting the number of people you have to hire can help you save money, there are some areas that truly benefit from adding a professional’s touch to the task.

Before you cut all of the professional services from your budget-friendly wedding, consider keeping these services to ensure you get the wedding of your dreams:

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A Wedding Photographer

Many people are under the belief that anyone can capture a quality photo. While smartphone cameras and apps have allowed more people to explore their interest in photography, that doesn’t mean that just anyone can achieve a high-quality result. Photography is an artform after all and it requires a certain level of expertise in order to be done well. And since you only intend to get married once, failing to get the professional photographs you imagined means you missed your opportunity completely if you don’t hire the right person to take your photos for you.

Since capturing the memories of your big day are often critical, hiring a wedding photographer needs to be a priority. Not only are they familiar with all of the traditional poses most couples want, but they also understand how to ensure everyone looks their best in every shot. Their familiarity with wedding services also helps them anticipate when important moments are coming up, ensuring they are prepared to get that shot when those key wedding day moments take place.

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A Wedding Cake Specialist

When people picture the cake at their wedding, a sheet cake from the local grocery store normally doesn’t quite come to mind. Many bakeries of this nature have limited experience creating the cakes more commonly seen at weddings. Additionally, many home bakers don’t have the opportunity to create multi-tiered creations often, so they may not be familiar with the intricacies of creating a proper supporting structure for such a large and decadent piece.

Credit: J. LEAL

So, if you have your eyes set on a more traditional looking dessert, then it is best to choose a bakery that creates delicacies for weddings on a regular basis. More than likely, they will work with you to identify less expensive wedding cake options that will suit your budget.

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A Band or DJ

If your reception involves music playing throughout the night, then you might want to make sure this is handled by someone specifically hired to do the job. Many brides and grooms think managing the music/playlist for the entire evening is an easy thing to do, especially since many people can carry around thousands of songs in their pockets through their phones and music devices. But, unless you want to create a playlist for the entire reception, it can be worth the investment to choose a professional to manage and perform that task for you.

Not only can they ensure certain songs are played at the right time, but they can also take requests from guests while you’re enjoying your special night. If there are certain songs you don’t want to hear on your big day, you can provide them with a list of songs that are off limits too. That way, you don’t have to worry about a friend or family member taking over your smartphone to find the “Chicken Dance” if you really prefer it not be played. And sometimes, having that professional buffer can alleviate a lot of stress.

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A Caterer (For Large Receptions)

Many people underestimate what it takes to produce food for large groups of people, especially if you are planning on having a full meal prepared and served. While smaller receptions might be manageable for those accustomed to cooking for large families, very few non-professionals have the expertise required to time and create a multicourse meal for hundreds of people.

If you have concerns about the food budget, but would still like options available to a large group, consider timing your ceremony to make only having hors d’oeuvres appropriate. Otherwise, choose food options that are less expensive for full meals. For example, chicken tends to be less expensive than most other meats, so you might be able to experience significant savings by choosing it over options like beef or fish as your entree of choice.

3. Realize Loneliness Helps You Face the Truth

Being in the constant company of others, although comforting sometimes, can often serve as a distraction when we need to face the reality of a situation.

Solitude cuts straight to the chase and forces you to deal with the problem at hand. See it as a blessing that can serve as a catalyst to set things right!

4. Be Aware That You Have More Control Than You Think

Typically, when we see ourselves as being lost or lonely, it gives us an excuse to view everything we come in contact with in a negative light. It lends itself to putting ourselves in the victim mode, when the truth of the matter is that you choose your attitude in every situation.

No one can force a feeling upon you! It is YOU who has the ultimate say as to how you choose to react.

5. Embrace the Freedom That the Feeling of Being Alone Can Offer

Instead of wallowing in self pity, which many are prone to do because of loneliness, try looking at your circumstance as a new-found freedom.

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Most people are in constant need of approval of their viewpoints. Try enjoying the fact that you don’t need everyone you care about to support your decisions.

6. Acknowledge the Person You Are Now

Perhaps you feel a sense of loneliness and confusion because your life circumstances have taken you away from the persona that others know to be you.

Perhaps the new you differs radically from the old. Realize that life is about change and how we react to that change. It’s okay that you’re not who you used to be.

7. Keep Striving to Do Your Best

Often those who are feeling isolated and unto themselves will develop a defeatist attitude. They’ll do substandard work because their self esteem is low and they don’t care.

Never let this feeling take away your sense of worth! Do your best always and when you come through this dark time, others will admire how you stayed determined in spite of the obstacles you had to overcome.

8. Don’t Forget That Time Is Precious

When we’re lost in a sea of loneliness and depression, it’s all too easy to reflect on regrets of past life events. This does nothing but feed negativity and perpetuate the situation.

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Instead of falling prey to this common pitfall, put one foot in front of the other and acknowledge every positive step you take. By doing this, you can celebrate the struggles you overcome at the end of the day.

9. Remember, Things Happen for a Reason

Every circumstance we encounter in our life is designed to teach us and that lesson is in turn passed on to others.

Sometimes we’re fortunate enough to figure out the lesson to be learned, while other times, we simply need to have faith that if the lesson wasn’t meant directly for us to learn from, how we handled it was observed by someone who needed to learn.

Your solitude and feeling of lost, in this instance, although painful possibly, may be teaching someone else.

10. Journal During This Time

Record your thoughts when you’re at the height of loneliness and feeling lost. You’ll be amazed when you reflect back at how you viewed things at the time and how far you’ve come later.

This time (if recorded) can give you a keen insight into who you are and what makes you feel the way you feel.

11. Remember You Aren’t the First to Feel This Way

It’s quite common to feel as if we’re alone and no one else has ever felt this way before. We think this because at the time of our distress, we’re silently observing others around us who are seemingly fine in every way.

The truth is, we can’t possibly know the struggles of those around us unless they elect to share them. We ALL have known this pain!

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Try confiding in someone you trust and ask them how they deal with these feelings when they experienced it. You may be surprised at what you learn.

12. Ask for Help If the Problem Persists

The feeling of being lost and lonely is common to everyone, but typically it will last for a relatively short period of time.

Most people will confess to, at one time or another, being in a “funk.” But if the problem persists longer than you feel it should, don’t ignore it.

When your ability to reason and consider things rationally becomes impaired, do not poo poo the problem away and think it isn’t worthy of attention. Seek medical help.

Final Thoughts

Loneliness and a sense of feeling lost can in many ways be extremely painful and difficult to deal with at best. However, these feelings can also serve as a catalyst for change in our lives if we acknowledge them and act.

Above anything, cherish your mental well being and don’t underestimate its worth. Seek professional guidance if you’re unable to distinguish between a sense of freedom for yourself and a sense of despair.